Universal sign mounting bracket

ABSTRACT

A sign mounting bracket is provided for use with round posts. The sign mounting bracket includes a sign-interfacing surface, a post-interfacing surface and fastener engagement portions that extend outwardly from the sign and post-interfacing surfaces. Each of the fastener engagement portions is provided with slots for the passage of fasteners used to clamp together the post and bracket. The post-interfacing surface includes separate arc sections for interfacing with round posts having different diameters. The bracket is provided with a central bolt hole and an associated bolt head recess for securing the sign to the sign interfacing surface. The sign, bracket and post can be fastened together by use of post fasteners engaged with the fastener engagement portions in combination with a sign fastener engaged with the central bolt hole, or by use of a through bolt engaged with the central hole and a post hole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to hardware used for attaching signs to posts and more particularly, pertains to brackets used for attaching signs to posts. While the invention is subject to a wide range of applications, it is especially suited for use in attaching signs to round posts; and will be particularly described in that connection.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] Brackets are used for attaching signs to round posts along roadways and in other places in public view. The conventional brackets for attaching signs to round posts are designed and manufactured to accommodate round posts of a specified diameter, requiring different brackets for different diameter posts. Conventional brackets for attaching signs to round posts are designed and manufactured to accommodate fasteners sized specifically to the brackets. Accordingly, conventional brackets for attaching signs to round posts require expensive manufacturing operations and complex inventories. The installation and removal of signs to sign posts using conventional brackets is often a difficult and time-consuming operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The principal advantage of the present invention is the provision of an arrangement which substantially obviates one or more of the limitations and disadvantages of the described prior arrangements.

[0006] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the universal sign mounting bracket particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0007] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention provides a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations. The bracket has a sign-interfacing surface and a post-interfacing surface opposite to the sign-interfacing surface. The post-interfacing surface includes a first portion with a first contour and a second portion with a second contour different than the first contour. The first contour is adapted for mating flush with a corresponding outer surface of a first post and the second contour is adapted for mating flush with a corresponding outer surface of a second post.

[0008] In another aspect, the invention includes a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations wherein the first contour includes a first arc for interfacing with a round post having a first diameter and the second contour includes a second arc for interfacing with a round post having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention includes a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations, further including fastener engagement portions extending outwardly from the sign-interfacing surface and the post-interfacing surface, defining open slots.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention includes a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations, further including a hole extending through the bracket from the post-interfacing surface to the sign-interfacing surface for receiving a shaft of a fastener. A recess in the post-interfacing surface receives a head of the fastener and a sidewall of the recess engages the head of the fastener.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention includes a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations, wherein the post-interfacing surface further has a third portion with a third contour, wherein the third contour includes a third arc for interfacing with a round post having a third diameter.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention includes a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations, wherein the sidewall of the recess further includes a flat segment for engaging a face of a square head of a fastener and for resisting rotation of the square head, and an indentation for engaging a comer of a hexagonal head of a fastener and for resisting rotation of the hexagonal head.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention includes a bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations wherein the bracket is metal.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

[0015] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the universal sign mounting bracket constructed in accordance with the invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the universal sign mounting bracket constructed in accordance with the invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the universal sign mounting bracket shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the universal sign mounting bracket shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the universal sign mounting bracket shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the universal sign mounting bracket shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly including the universal sign mounting bracket, a sign, a round post, a u-bolt and a straight bolt.

[0023]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly including the universal sign mounting bracket, a sign, a round post and a through-bolt.

[0024]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an assembly including two universal sign mounting brackets, a sign, a round post, and a through bolt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] A bracket according to the invention for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations includes a sign-interfacing surface and a post-interfacing surface opposite to the sign-interfacing surface. The post-interfacing surface has different segments arranged to interface with posts having different configurations. By providing a single bracket that is adapted for use in mounting signs to a variety of different posts having different outer dimensions, the required inventory of parts and overall manufacturing costs are significantly reduced.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0027] An exemplary embodiment of the universal sign mounting bracket of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference numeral 20.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the universal sign mounting bracket 20 includes a front surface 22 and a back surface 24 opposite to front surface 22, a top surface 26 opposite to a bottom surface 28, and a first end 30 a opposite to a second end 30 b. Universal sign mounting bracket 20 may be manufactured out of a number of different materials and by a number of different methods. For example universal sign mounting bracket 20 could be cast aluminum, machined metal or injected plastic. In the exemplary embodiment, universal sign mounting bracket 20 is manufactured out of cast aluminum alloy.

[0029] Bottom surface 28 has a first arc segment 42 with, for example, a 2 inch radius of curvature such that first arc segment 42 can mate with the outer circumference of a 2 inch diameter round post. Bottom surface 28 also has second arc segments 44 a and 44 b adjacent opposite ends of first arc segment 42. Second arc segments 44 a and 44 b have, for example, a 2 ½ inch radius of curvature such that second arc segments 44 a and 44 b can mate with the outer circumference of a 2 ½ inch diameter round post. Bottom surface 28 further includes third arc segments 46 a and 46 b adjacent outer ends of second arc segments 44 a and 44 b respectively. Third arc segments 46 a and 46 b have, for example, a 3 inch radius of curvature such that third arc segments 46 a and 46 b can mate with the outer circumference of a 3 inch diameter round post. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, bottom surface 28 includes segments as described above. However, it is to be understood that bottom surface 28 could include segments arranged to mate with outer surfaces of posts of different configurations such as square posts with varying side lengths, parabolic-shaped posts, elliptical-shaped posts, or posts of other outer configurations and having varying function.

[0030] Top surface 26 includes a flat surface for mating with a sign. Top surface 26 further includes cavities 38 a, 38 b, 38 c and 38 d extending into the casting of universal sign mounting bracket 20. Cavities 38 a, 38 b, 38 c and 38 d are defined by four ribs 76 extending outwardly from a central boss 78. Cavities 38 a, 38 b, 38 c and 38 d provide cooling during the casting process and further reduce material weight and costs. Ribs 76 and boss 78 are designed with sufficient thickness to provide the required strength to universal sign mounting bracket 20, in accordance with engineering standards such as those set forth by ASME, ANSI, NTSHA, etc.. The specific arrangement of cavities, ribs and bosses described and shown in the preferred embodiment may be modified as desired to maximize manufacturability, strength, cost and weight savings.

[0031] First end 30 a and second end 30 b include fastener engagement portions 32 a, 32 b, 32 c and 32 d extending outwardly from a central portion of universal sign mounting bracket 20, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. At first end 30 a fastener engagement portions 32 a and 32 b include a fastener nut contact surface 36 b and a slot side wall 72 a, defining a slot 34 a. A curved side wall 74 a extends upwardly from fastener nut contact surface 36 b to top surface 26. Similar features for second end 30 b are also shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, Bottom surface 28 further includes cavities 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d extending into the casting of universal sign mounting bracket 20. Cavities 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d provide cooling during the casting process and further reduce weight and material costs. The specific arrangement of cavities, described and shown in the exemplary embodiment may be modified as desired in accordance with engineering standards and manufacturing parameters.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, a bolt keeper recess 62 extends inwardly from first arc segment 42 into universal sign mounting bracket 20. Bolt keeper recess 62 includes a base 64, eight bolt head engagement flat surfaces 68 and eight bolt head engagement indentations 66. Bolt head engagement flat surfaces 68 and bolt head engagement indentations 66 extend around the perimeter of bolt keeper recess 62. A center through hole 60 extends from bolt keeper base 64 through boss 78 to top surface 26. In the exemplary embodiment, bolt head engagement flat surfaces 68 are dimensioned to engage and resist the rotation of, for example, four sides of the head of a {fraction (5/16)} inch square head bolt. In the exemplary embodiment, bolt head engagement indentations 66 are dimensioned to engage and resist the rotation of, for example, the six comers of the hex head of a ⅜ inch hex head bolt. It is to be understood that the specific arrangement and dimensions of bolt head engagement flat surfaces 68 and bolt head engagement indentations 66, described and shown in the exemplary embodiment, may be modified as desired to engage and resist the rotation of any of many heads of known fasteners. A chamfer 70 is formed around the perimeter of bolt keeper recess 62 on first arc segment 42, and serves to remove a sharp edge and facilitate the centering of a bolt head in bolt keeper recess 62, but is not necessitated to realize the advantages of the invention.

[0034]FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a sign 80 is attached to a round post 82 by universal sign mounting bracket 20. A straight bolt 86 extends through center through hole 60 with the head of straight bolt 86 engaged by bolt keeper recess 62. In this position, bolt keeper recess 62 resists rotation of the head of straight bolt 86 and is deep enough to seat the entire head of bolt 86 below the surface of first arc segment 42. Universal sign mounting bracket 20 is mated flush with segments of the outer circumference of post 82 at first arc segment 42, second arc segments 44 a and 44 b, or third arc segments 46 a and 46 b. A U-bolt 84 extends around post 82 with each end of U-bolt 84 extending through slots 34 a and 34 b respectively. U-bolt nuts 88 are tightened until they contact fastener nut contact surfaces 36 a and 36 b, respectively, and then are further tightened to a desired torque. Curved sidewalls 74 a and 74 b, best seen in FIG. 2, allow space for bolt heads and washers of a variety of sizes. With universal sign mounting bracket 20 securely fastened to post 82, sign 80 is mounted to universal sign mounting bracket 20 by extending straight bolt 86 through a hole in sign 80 and securing a straight bolt nut 90 to straight bolt 86. Bolt keeper recess 62 resists rotation of the head of straight bolt 86 while tightening straight bolt nut 90. In the exemplary embodiment, sign 80 is secured to post 82 by use of two universal sign mounting brackets 20 secured as described above, with one universal sign mounting bracket 20 arranged vertically above the other universal sign mounting bracket 20 along post 82. In this manner, rotation of sign 80 is prevented. One, two, or more universal sign mounting brackets 20 could be arranged along the length of post 82.

[0035] Additional embodiments of the invention will now be described where like or similar parts are identified throughout the drawings by the same reference characters.

[0036]FIG. 8 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention wherein sign 80 is attached to round post 82 by universal sign mounting bracket 20. A straight bolt 87 extends through a hole in sign 80, through center through hole 60 and through a hole in post 82. Universal sign mounting bracket 20 is mated flush with segments of the outer circumference of post 82 at first arc segment 42, second arc segments 44 a and 44 b, or third arc segments 46 a and 46 b, depending on the diameter of the post 82. A curved washer 95 mates with post 82 and a nut 92 is tightened on straight bolt 87 to a desired torque. Sign 80 can be secured to post 82 by use of two universal sign mounting brackets 20 secured as described above, with one universal sign mounting bracket 20 arranged vertically above the other universal sign mounting bracket 20 along post 82. In this manner, rotation of sign 80 is prevented. One, two, or more universal sign mounting brackets 20 could be arranged along the length of post 82.

[0037]FIG. 9 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention wherein sign 80 is attached to round post 82 by two universal sign mounting brackets 20 arranged on opposite segments of the circumference of post 82. Straight bolt 87 extends through a hole in sign 80, through center through hole 60 of the first universal sign mounting bracket 20, through a hole in post 82, and through center through hole 60 of the second universal sign mounting bracket 20. Universal sign mounting brackets 20 are mated with segments of the outer circumference of post 82 at first arc segment 42, second arc segments 44 a and 44 b, or third arc segments 46 a and 46 b. A flat washer 94 mates with top surface 26 of universal sign mounting bracket 20 and nut 92 is tightened on straight bolt 87 to a desired torque. In the exemplary embodiment, sign 80 is secured to post 82 by use of two pairs of universal sign mounting brackets 20 secured as described above, with one pair of universal sign mounting brackets 20 arranged vertically above the other pair of universal sign mounting brackets 20 along post 82. In this manner, rotation of sign 80 is prevented. One, two, or more pairs of universal sign mounting brackets 20 could be arranged along the length of post 82.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the structure and use of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations, comprising: a sign-interfacing surface; and a post-interfacing surface opposite to the sign-interfacing surface, the post-interfacing surface having a first portion with a first contour and a second portion with a second contour different than the first contour, said first contour adapted for mating flush with a corresponding outer surface of a first post and said second contour adapted for mating flush with a corresponding outer surface of a second post.
 2. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 1, wherein the first contour comprises a first arc for interfacing with a round post having a first diameter and the second contour comprises a second arc for interfacing with a round post having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.
 3. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 2, further comprising: fastener engagement portions extending outwardly from the sign-interfacing surface and the post-interfacing surface, defining open slots.
 4. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 3, further comprising: a hole extending through the bracket from the post-interfacing surface to the sign-interfacing surface for receiving a shaft of a fastener; and a recess in the post-interfacing surface for receiving a head of the fastener, wherein a sidewall of the recess is adapted for engagement with the head of the fastener.
 5. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 2, wherein the post-interfacing surface further has a third portion with a third contour, wherein said third contour comprises a third arc for interfacing with a round post having a third diameter.
 6. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 4, wherein the sidewall of the recess further comprises: a flat segment for engaging a face of a square head of a first fastener and for resisting rotation of the square head; and an indentation for engaging a corner of a hexagonal head of a second fastener and for resisting rotation of the hexagonal head.
 7. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 6, wherein the bracket is metal.
 8. A bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations, comprising: a sign-interfacing surface; and a post-interfacing surface opposite to the sign-interfacing surface, the post-interfacing surface having a first segment and a second segment, said first segment formed for mating flush with a corresponding outer surface of a first post and said second segment formed for mating flush with a corresponding outer surface of a second post.
 9. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 8, wherein the first segment comprises a first arc for interfacing with a round post having a first diameter and the second segment comprises a second arc for interfacing with a round post having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.
 10. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 9, further comprising: fastener engagement portions extending outwardly from the sign-interfacing surface and the post-interfacing surface, defining open slots.
 11. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 10, further comprising: a hole extending through the bracket from the post-interfacing surface to the sign-interfacing surface for receiving a shaft of a fastener; and a recess in the post-interfacing surface for receiving a head of the fastener, wherein a sidewall of the recess is adapted for engagement with the head of the fastener.
 12. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 9, wherein the post-interfacing surface further has a third segment, wherein said third segment comprises a third arc for interfacing with a round post having a third diameter.
 13. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 11, wherein the sidewall of the recess further comprises: a flat segment for engaging a face of a square head a first fastener and for resisting rotation of the square head; and an indentation for engaging a comer of a hexagonal head of a second fastener and for resisting rotation of the hexagonal head.
 14. The bracket for mounting a sign to posts having different configurations according to claim 13, wherein the bracket is metal. 